August 29, 2023
Gary Allen Lodge, Sr.
Gary Allen Lodge, Sr., age 69, of Covington, VA, died Tuesday, August 29, 2023, at Reston Hospital Center in Reston, VA. After his courageous fight with cancer.
Gary was born, February 19, 1954, in Alleghany County, and was preceded in death by his parents the late Russell Lodge and Clara Weiss Lodge and brother Richard Lodge, Ernest Franson father in-law. Grandparents Virgie and Harlan Weiss, Charles, and Virgie Lodge.
Gary retired as a rural mail carrier for the U.S. Postal Service. He was a former employee of Ford Motor Company, Hercules Inc. and Pave and Save and owned Discount Auto Sales in Iron Gate, VA. Gary built several homes in the area. Gary loved to fly fish, travel, classic cars, and dirt track racing where he was two-time Natural Bridge Raceway Champion. Gary enjoyed riding in the mountains on ATV’s and using his backhoe. Gary loved to go to the drag strip and race with is son Allen.
He never met a stranger, and loved to lend a helping hand to anyone he met. He was an animal lover, rescuing many animals along his rural route. Gary was a member of the Alleghany Gun Club, former member of Issac Walton League, and a proud member of the NRA and Trout Unlimited.
Surviving is his wife of fifty years, Karen Franson Lodge of Covington; a son Gary “Allen” Lodge Jr and wife Sherry of Covington; a daughter Katreena Lodge-Burger and husband Chuck of Covington; grandchildren Abigail Persinger and husband Ethan, Allison Lodge and Branden Lodge; brothers Gene Lodge and wife Brenda, of Myrtle Beach and Michael Lodge of Clifton Forge, VA., aunt Phyllis Givens and husband Loyd of Covington, VA, along with mother in-law Phyillis B. Franson, sisters in-law Sherry Higgins and husband Glenn, Christy Ioannidis and Bernie Waid, Donna Griffith and husband Jim, Tammy Slay and husband Randy, brother in-law John Franson and wife Tracy, and several special nieces and nephews, and his loyal dog Taz.
A graveside service will be held at Carmel Cemetery, Gap Mills, WV. on September 23rd2023 at 2:00 pm
Memorial contributions in Mr. Lodge’s name can be made to the Alleghany Humane Society or Gap Mills Methodist Church in care of Eugene Arthur 130 Mill Field Rd. Union, WV 24983.
Arritt Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Friends wishing to send condolences may do so at arrittfuneralhome.com
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Tributes

Tribute Posted
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Kathy and Robert McCoy
Sep 22, 2023
So sorry to hear of Gene’s passing.
We wish you good memories, peace, and comfort now and always!
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Ryan Summers
Sep 21, 2023
I knew Evan through the EB community as we both suffer from this disease. I used to love playing Fortnite with him especially because he was so good at it. It was amazing to know him, and I am going to miss those times. He touched my whole family even though we live far away in Massachusetts. We are all thinking of your family in this hard time.
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The Randozzo Family
Sep 21, 2023
We are so sorry for your loss prayers for comfort as you go through the hard time.
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Kimm Robertson
Sep 21, 2023
Watching this young man over the years be so courageous. He loved his Momma and sisters so much. Thank you for sharing Evans Journey with us. I will continue prayers for your family. I know in my heart that Even is running around heaven enjoying having no pain. God Bless you all.
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Elizabeth Gardner
Sep 21, 2023
I will never forget you Evan Michael Groves. Caring for you was a pleasure and I will forever be changed for the better by knowing you. Your courage and goodness are a rare gift that an Sending love and comfort to your precious family.
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Virginia Doyle
Sep 21, 2023
May God continue bless you all 🙏🙏🙏🙏
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C&O Historical Society
Sep 21, 2023
Very sorry to hear of Evan's passing. We remember his visit to the Heritage Center in July of 2022 and his love of trains. Our thoughts and prayers are with Evan's family.
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Kimberly R Andrews
Sep 20, 2023
As I watched this young man grow from a toddler when you guys moved in beside me, I was simply amazed at the heart and can do in him. I loved seeing him enjoy everyday adventures that most children take for granted, swinging on a swing, playing in the snow, play with his trucks in the gravel and sliding on waterslide between our houses. It is not going to be the same on the drive without him. Many prayers and much love to you and the girls.
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Yvonne Harvey
Sep 20, 2023
Christina, you all are in my thoughts and prayers. I feel like you have been my family since I have kept up with Evans journey. You have been the best mom.I wondered how you did it all.Thank you for allowing us to be apart of Evans life.I sure am gonna miss him. He is riding his train and we know he is happy.
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Heather Mann
Sep 20, 2023
Many thoughts are with you Christina and his sisters. I know your hearts are so heavy right now but we know dear Evan is free of the horrific pain he lived with all his life. He was such a strong boy and I know his tired little body is now at peace. God be with you all and comfort you during this difficult time. He was so special to so many people.
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Kay & Eddie Long
Sep 19, 2023
Dad (Leonard) and (Mom) Phoebe with us four children (Carol, Kay, Wilson and Barbara lived beside (Uncle Abe and His wife Trudy, with their four children John, Alvin, Lorraine, and Gradey. Many years we all had the best fun and wonderful memories of wonderful country living and mountain air. My best memories of Uncle Abe “ was come Spring to plow the garden. As a young girl, I always wondered how the heck did he keep that big work horse from running off with him when, plowing the garden. That big work horse practically ran with him. Uncle Abe had the most wonderful garden each summer and took great care to tend to the garden and always shared with us. I will always remember Uncle Abe stood by our Family when ( Dad) Leonard passed. We were very grateful for that. Uncle Abe, now there is a (Bountiful Garden) in Heaven that is waiting for you and all those passed before you. Uncle Abe your hard work here on earth is done. You have been a Wonderful Servant unto our Lord. May you Rest In Peace. You will be missed. Kay & Eddie Long.
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Addie Holesapple
Sep 19, 2023
Sending so much love to Christina, Chyanne, Hannah, and the entire family! 💗 Evan was such a sweet, special soul and will be forever remembered. Praying for peace and comfort both now and in the days and years to come.